IHM Remembered

I was delighted to have stumbled onto this web site by chance and rekindle the fond memories of my mid teens there. I attended IHM for two years and was part of the first freshman class. My recollections of Lenox are so many and varied that I’ll try to just say what comes to mind.

I remember Prefect – Fr. Casper’s bell early in the morning to rise. Back then, we were on the third floor of the Seminary – windows facing the courtyard. “Vivat Cor Jesu!” Was the greeting of the day. “Per Cor Mariae!” was the response. Father Casper (a real great SCJ), not only taught Latin, but would drill us in the use of the language throughout the day. “Caesar est Magnum!” “Quid est novum?” Dude!

As I reflect back and think about some of the juvenile pranks, I recall our seminarians – the first class of freshman at Lenox – kids from all over the East Coast. That first week many were collectively dubbed with knick names, such as: “Animal” “Tanker” “Frenchie” etc. by the group. Actually, during the first week we were shown a movie: “Stalag 17” ergo – one of the students: “Animal” was born. The first time one of the parents visited, that practice ceased.

We were rather impudent then – calling Father McGuire “Muggsey”. The Masses were said in Latin then and I couldn’t remember who taught Gregorian chant until now. It was Father Hogya (a spiritual man). He loved the VIII Mass of the Angles Kyrie, but more importantly, he loved his cigarettes!

Other memories include: Naglesdmiths milk, flag football, swimming in the old pool outside in the woods, ice skating on the lake near the girls prep school, trips to Springfield and Lee to see Museums, JFK’s Cuban Missile Crisis and air aid bomb drills in the basement, the Rotunda foyer and the spiral staircase to our small classroom, Tanglewood, and our climb up one of the hills, NYC RDC train from Pittsfield to NYC for Thanksgiving break, that freight train whistle every night after lights out, the rosary around the sunken garden, and of course – Brother John from Africa.

It’s funny what you remember after forty two years but that time was innocent and left an indelible impression on a young man. I was very disappointed to know that the property went back into the hands of the wealthy. Thus, the cycle of life!

As for myself, I am happily married for the past thirty-some years living in Turnersville NJ and have two grown children. I work for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in Philadelphia as a Technical Instructor and hope to retire in two years.

IHM was a great prep for life. No regrets! I hope to find out how other students and faculty of that time are doing now.

“Father Leo John – Thank you for the blessings and favors granted!”.

Pax vobiscum friends,
Nick Frankunas